As this year’s Australian Open gets into full swing, all eyes are on Jannik Sinner, the reigning champion and current world number one.
The 23-year-old Italian enters the tournament as the favourite with the Australian Open 2025 odds, riding high on the momentum of a breakthrough season that saw him capture two Grand Slam titles and establish himself as one of the sport’s elite.
Sinner’s meteoric rise has been the product of a relentless work ethic, mental fortitude, and a game that combines power, precision, and an unyielding desire to improve.
His consistency across surfaces and ability to outplay opponents in high-pressure situations have made him the player to beat in Melbourne this year, along with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
In this article, we look at why Sinner is once again among the favourites for glory in the Rod Laver Arena. and how he achieved greatness down under in 2024.
A fast start down under
Sinner’s road to his first Grand Slam victory in Melbourne last year was nothing short of dominant. The Italian steamrolled his way through the draw, showcasing the maturity and composure of a seasoned champion despite being just 22.
He breezed through the early rounds, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp, Jesper de Jong, Sebastián Báez, Karen Khachanov, and Andrey Rublev—all in straight sets. Each match demonstrated Sinner’s ability to dictate play, with his precision off both wings and outstanding court coverage overwhelming his opponents.
But it was his semifinal clash against Novak Djokovic that truly cemented his arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
Facing the 10-time Australian Open champion, Sinner produced a fearless performance, blending aggression with resilience to stun the Serb in four sets. The victory set up a tantalizing final against Daniil Medvedev and put Sinner within touching distance of history.
Grand Slam success
The 2024 Australian Open final was a match that will live long in the memory. Facing world number three Medvedev, Sinner found himself on the brink of defeat, losing the first two sets 3-6, 3-6. The Russian’s relentless pace and consistency seemed too much for the Italian to handle.
However, Sinner dug deep, finding another gear as the match progressed. He turned the tide with a combination of bold shot-making, tireless defence, and unshakable belief, eventually winning 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in a four-hour epic.
This victory not only gave Sinner his first Grand Slam title but also solidified his reputation as one of the game’s brightest stars.
It was a crowning moment for the young Italian, fulfilling the promise many had seen in him since his teenage years. For Medvedev, it was another heartbreaking defeat in Melbourne, adding to his list of near-misses.
Gathering momentum
The pace only picked up from there. Sinner’s 2024 season was nothing short of remarkable, capped by his second Grand Slam triumph at the US Open.
In New York, he avenged a Wimbledon loss to Medvedev in the quarterfinals, overcame Jack Draper in the semifinals, and defeated Taylor Fritz in the final.
Winning two majors in the same year placed Sinner among an elite group in the Open Era. These achievements, along with consistent performances, elevated him to world number one—a position he holds with dominance. Those betting tennis would struggle to find heirs to the famous era of the ‘Big Three’ have been mistaken, with Sinner and Alcaraz, carrying the baton in style.
Melbourne chances
As Sinner prepares to defend his Australian Open title, his chances of retaining the trophy look strong. His ability to handle pressure, combined with his lethal groundstrokes and improving net play, make him a nightmare opponent on the hard courts of Melbourne.
While challenges await from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner’s other top rivals, his remarkable 2024 campaign and continued form suggest he has what it takes to go all the way once again.
With his eyes firmly set on the prize, the Italian hopes to add yet another chapter to his rapidly growing legacy. If his recent performances are any indication, few would bet against him lifting the trophy at Rod Laver Arena for a second consecutive year.